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GE Marine has announced that it has been selected to lead the Italian consortium that will power MSC Cruises' planned 'Seaside' platform. The two new cruise ships are to join the existing fleet of 12 vessels, all of which use electrical propulsion from GE.

In a statement, GE Marine said: "Fincantieri once again is employing sea proven technology from GE Marine that has eliminated the need for harmonic filters and reactive power compensation, and therefore offers improved safety among other benefits. The GE solution will also ensure a less complicated installation and cabling process while the reduced weight on board ships brings fuel savings and altogether lowers MSC's operating costs."

Massimo Costa, Vice President Head of Purchasing Cruise BU, Fincantieri, remarked: "In an increasingly competitive market it is crucial to keep advancing with safer and more efficient solutions."

Emilio La Scala, General Manager, MSC Cruisetech, said: "GE Power Conversion produces the right technology to simplify our operation."

Leading the project consortium with other Italian partners, GE has agreed to provide on-board technology that includes propulsion control along with transformers, variable frequency drive (VFD) core components, slow speed propulsion motors and distribution transformers.

"We are extremely pleased that Fincantieri and MSC Crociere have once again chosen GE for the propulsion of their ships, and we feel confident that with GE Power Conversion heading up the project we will see a successful outcome." commented Paul English, Marine Leader, GE Power Conversion, "As the popularity of cruise holidays continues to grow, we anticipate the demand for cruise ships to virtually double within a decade. We are excited to be part of this fast-growing industry."